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STV is Scotland's best watched channel in 2018

Newly released viewing figures have revealed that STV has been 2018’s best watched TV channel in Scotland, with a viewing share of 21.9% - the channel’s highest since 2010.

STV also recorded the highest growth in audience share of all the UK’s public service channels, including BBC One, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

Across the year, huge numbers of Scots tuned in to watch top entertainment shows Britain’s Got Talent and Dancing on Ice, gripping dramas including Trauma, Unforgotten and Vera, which saw its audience grow by 16% to 652,000, and The FIFA World Cup - which reached 3.55 million viewers, demonstrating that Scotland loves the beautiful game, despite not qualifying.

Ever-popular STV soaps, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, continue to grow their fan base with a growth in viewing share since 2017, while the latest series of I'm a Celebrity - Get Me Out Of Here! was the most successful ever in Scotland and the best watched programme across the year, with a 45% share and an average audience of nearly 980,000 – an incredible 35% up year on year.

STV News at Six is now Scotland’s most watched news programme, recording its highest viewing share in over 15 years.

“Thanks to an extremely strong schedule and must-see programming like I’m a Celebrity, Coronation Street and the World Cup, STV’s peak time share is the highest it’s been since 2010 – making it Scotland’s best watched channel in peak.”

Here in Scotland we watch more TV than anywhere else in the UK and we’re delighted that STV continues to be the nation’s favourite channel.”

The figures are based on consolidated data from BARB, covering 1st January - 6th December 2018, 1900-2230. Consolidated data includes those who watch live or on catch-up within a week of broadcast.